Nokia and China Huaxin sign memorandum of understanding to create new joint venture combining Nokia China and Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell

Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
August 28, 2015 at 13:15 (CET +1)

Nokia and China Huaxin sign memorandum of understanding to create new joint venture combining Nokia China and Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell

Beijing, China - Nokia and China Huaxin Post & Telecommunication Economy Development Center ("China Huaxin") have signed a memorandum of understanding ("MoU") today confirming their intention to combine Nokia's telecommunications infrastructure businesses in China ("Nokia China") and Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell ("ASB") into a new joint venture. As agreed under the MoU, Nokia expects to hold 50% plus one share in the new joint venture, with China Huaxin holding the remaining shares. Fair value compensation would be received for the contribution of relevant assets to the joint venture.

The new joint venture is conditional on and would be formed after the closing of Nokia's planned combination with Alcatel-Lucent, at which point Nokia would own 50% plus one share of ASB. The new joint venture is expected to be a strong national asset based in China capable of delivering value for both parties. Nokia China and ASB are leaders in the Chinese telecommunications infrastructure market and both are long-standing contributors to the development of China and innovation in the country.
                                          
The new joint venture is planned to operate under the English name of Nokia Shanghai Bell and would be registered in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. The new joint venture would have one board of directors, one management team, unified customer and business functions, and one integrated product portfolio and R&D platform.

Rajeev Suri, President and CEO of Nokia Corporation, said: "Today's agreement demonstrates Nokia's deep commitment to China. Together with China Huaxin, Nokia will be in an excellent position to support strategic initiatives of the Chinese government such as "Internet Plus" and provide a strong link between Europe and China. We look forward to joining with China Huaxin and ASB to drive innovation for customers in China and to help accelerate the country's shift to an innovation-driven economy. With this MoU now in place, we will also work closely with our new partners to make the case for swift approval of the proposed combination between Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent by the appropriate Chinese authorities."